RISE Annual Conference and AGM enjoys a great turnout
News from RISE
This year's Annual Conference and AGM was held at the picturesque Dartington Hall, on a rather chilly December day. The event was a real success, providing delegates with a range of interesting activities and plenty of networking opportunities; as well as keynote speaker Penny Newman.
The Annual Conference was opened by Julie Harris, chair of RISE, who looked back over the organisation's achievements from the past twelve months. Julie was followed by Penny Newman, Chief Executive of The Fifteen Foundation. Penny shared her experiences of working in the third sector with delegates, including her time as CEO of Café Direct, where she pioneered a profitable business model, achieving exceptional financial and social returns.
Lucy Findlay, Chief Executive of RISE then gave a presentation about the Social Enterprise Mark, which detailed the journey RISE have been on as pioneers of the brand for social enterprise. Lucy also announced the news that a joint venture has been established with the Social Enterprise Coalition to secure the future of the Mark nationally.
Following the speakers, Millfields Trust was presented with their prize for winning the regional Social Enterprise Day photography competition. Paul Mason, Project Co-ordinator for the Widening Horizons project at Millfileds Trust was presented with his prize – a ‘behind the scenes’ experience at the leading media and digital arts centre Watershed. The award was presented by Louise Gardner, Head of Communications & Development at the Watershed. Paul gave a short speech, where he described the work of the Widening Horizons project and the opportunities it offers to young people.
Delegates then attended a series of workshops run by the Capacity Builders South West projects. COSMIC offered attendees some ‘Lively Leadership’, discussing the skills needed to become inspirational and passionate leaders. Alongside the COSMIC session, the DTA presented a collective look at real life enterprise challenges and tools to help approach them, whilst CEMVO covered how to overcome barriers and succeed as a BAME social enterprise.
The RISE AGM closed the formal proceedings of the day and new board members Lindsey Hall from the Real Ideas Organisation and Dawn Eckhart on behalf of SWAN were welcomed.
An enjoyable lunch in the White Hart dining hall rounded off the day, with delegates taking the opportunity to network and listen to music provided by Mary O’Shea (aka DollyO). Mary provided music throughout the day and if you liked what you heard, her CD is available to purchase on her website; www.dollyo.com. You can also stream samples her music on her Myspace.
Thanks to everyone who came along to this year’s event making it such a success and special thanks to Sophia Bell at RISE for organising the day.
Lucy Findlay, Chief Executive of RISE then gave a presentation about the Social Enterprise Mark, which detailed the journey RISE have been on as pioneers of the brand for social enterprise. Lucy also announced the news that a joint venture has been established with the Social Enterprise Coalition to secure the future of the Mark nationally.
Following the speakers, Millfields Trust was presented with their prize for winning the regional Social Enterprise Day photography competition. Paul Mason, Project Co-ordinator for the Widening Horizons project at Millfileds Trust was presented with his prize – a ‘behind the scenes’ experience at the leading media and digital arts centre Watershed. The award was presented by Louise Gardner, Head of Communications & Development at the Watershed. Paul gave a short speech, where he described the work of the Widening Horizons project and the opportunities it offers to young people.
Delegates then attended a series of workshops run by the Capacity Builders South West projects. COSMIC offered attendees some ‘Lively Leadership’, discussing the skills needed to become inspirational and passionate leaders. Alongside the COSMIC session, the DTA presented a collective look at real life enterprise challenges and tools to help approach them, whilst CEMVO covered how to overcome barriers and succeed as a BAME social enterprise.
The RISE AGM closed the formal proceedings of the day and new board members Lindsey Hall from the Real Ideas Organisation and Dawn Eckhart on behalf of SWAN were welcomed.
An enjoyable lunch in the White Hart dining hall rounded off the day, with delegates taking the opportunity to network and listen to music provided by Mary O’Shea (aka DollyO). Mary provided music throughout the day and if you liked what you heard, her CD is available to purchase on her website; www.dollyo.com. You can also stream samples her music on her Myspace.
Thanks to everyone who came along to this year’s event making it such a success and special thanks to Sophia Bell at RISE for organising the day.
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